The Fire Horse Lights the Path to Empowered Living

In 2026, the lunar new year begins on February 17. As we approach the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse, we are met with an energy that is bold, dynamic and transformative. In Eastern philosophy, the Horse symbolizes freedom, movement and perseverance, while the Fire element brings passion, vitality and purposeful action. Together, the Fire Horse represents a year to live fully, act courageously and align our daily choices with what truly energizes us—clarity of mind, strength of body and compassionate spirit.

The characteristics of the Fire Horse parallel the Nikken philosophy of empowered livingandfeeling good every day. The Fire Horse moves with intention and confidence. Empowered living begins in much the same way: by taking ownership of our well-being and recognizing that small, conscious choices made consistently and mindfully can create lasting vitality. Empowerment starts when we become active participants in our own wellness journey—through the proper nourishment and hydration of our bodies, combined with movement, restful sleep and stress management.

Fire energy also reminds us of the importance of inner vitality. The Fire Horse encourages us to rekindle our internal flame—our sense of purpose, enthusiasm and resilience. Feeling good every day isn’t about perfection; it’s about maintaining balance and having supportive systems that help us recharge and realign when life feels overwhelming.

The Horse is also associated with momentum and forward movement while the Fire element provides speed and momentum. This year challenges us to release what no longer serves us and move ahead with confidence. Empowered living means letting go of habits, environments or mindsets that drain our energy and replacing them with ones that support growth, harmony and joy. When our surroundings and routines parallel natural principles, we create a foundation that supports sustained well-being rather than temporary quick fixes.

Another important trait of the Fire Horse is independence balanced with connection. True empowerment doesn’t mean doing everything alone—it means having the right tools, resources and community to support the journey. Feeling good every day is amplified when we are connected to others who share similar values and intentions for health, vitality and conscious living.

Embrace the Year of the Fire Horse! Consciously choose to live with passion, intention and awareness. Trust your inner wisdom, take inspired action and prioritize practices that improve your quality of life. When you honor your natural rhythms and give your body the support it requires, empowered living becomes a daily experience.

May the Fire Horse light up your sense of purpose and guide you toward greater balance, vitality and joy—every single day. From the heart of Nikken, Happy Lunar New Year!

2025 Year End Message from CEO Luis Kasuga

As we joyfully conclude the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nikken in 2025, a new chapter begins—one that invites us to look forward with gratitude, clarity, and renewed purpose. As we approach the next 50 years, we reaffirm our roots and strengthen the very DNA that has guided us throughout our journey.

During every anniversary celebration, I witness something powerful: a unique wellness energy that unites us. What we share is the heart of Nikken—a spirit that recognizes the value of every individual and honors the contributions each person brings.

We express our deepest appreciation to Mr. Masuda, Mr. Watanabe, and all the visionary leaders whose dedication built the foundation upon which Nikken stands today. Many others joined throughout the decades, adding their trust, their dreams, and their stories to what has become a 50-year global legacy.

When we ask how Nikken has influenced the lives of those who joined our journey, their answers go far beyond product benefits. They speak of transformations in their personal and professional lifestyles. Many recall the impact of the trainings they attended; others highlight the fulfillment they felt while contributing to the well-being of others. Yet, everyone agrees on one point—they could feel the heart of Nikken.

So, what is the heart of Nikken? It is not easily defined by a simple concept. Instead, it is something we experience—a collective heartbeat driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to society. It is the joy of bringing hope to someone else through our actions, our values, and our noble gestures. This spirit is anchored in our legendary Five Pillars of Wellness and in the enduring words of our founder: “You are irreplaceable because you are you.” These words remind us of the profound importance and uniqueness of every individual in our world.

As we step into this new chapter, I invite you to reflect on your own worth—on the power you carry simply by being alive, capable, and full of potential. Envision the many possibilities that can unfold when you embrace your dreams and allow yourself to imagine a bigger, brighter future.

From that place of awareness, celebrate life deeply. Cherish the people you love. Make every moment meaningful. And in this season, more than ever, let your loved ones feel how truly special they are.

Wishing you and your family joyful celebrations and a holiday season filled with hope, love, and inspiration.

Happy Holidays.

Luis Kasuga

The Perfect Valentine is From Your Heart

February 14 is Valentine’s Day in North America and many other countries around the world. It’s a day of romance and proclamations of love. Approximately 150 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year, making it the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.1

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, although written declarations didn’t appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine that still exists today was a poem by the Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It’s now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.2

Here are some interesting ways various countries celebrate Valentine’s Day:

  • In the Philippines, it’s a day for mass weddings where hundreds and even thousands get married in union. These huge events are sometimes sponsored by the government as a public service.3
  • Bulgarians celebrate St. Trijon Zarezan day on February 14. Known as Winemakers Day, couples toast their love with a glass or two of wine from local vineyards.4
  • In both Japan and South Korea, women give men gifts on Valentine’s Day. Men return the gesture on White Day, giving women gifts that are white as a sign of pure love.5
  • Marriage proposals take place quite often between February 12 and 14 in the “village of love” in St. Valentin, France. The village decks their houses in roses and covers trees with love note.6
  • In Ghana, February 14 is National Chocolate Day. As one of the world’s largest cocoa producing countries, the day is meant to boost tourism with chocolate themed menus, exhibitions and talks.7
  • North Americans often give jewelry, flowers and chocolate to their loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

Look no further for the perfect Valentine that comes from your heart. Nikken has created the unique Kenko Heart Set and Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to declare your love! The pendant and earrings can be worn with jeans as well as with an elegant gown . The pendant is stainless steel on one side and gold-plated on the other. Symbolizing the Heart of Nikken, the pendant is engineered with an 800-gauss neodymium magnet. The Kenko Heart earrings are gold-plated and feature 600-gauss neodymium magnets.

The pendant fits perfectly with either the stainless steel or gold-plated Perfect Link II necklace,  which features 800-gauss neodymium magnets throughout their 18-inch lengths. Nickel-free and non-corrosive, these finely crafted necklaces are polished to a glossy finish and look perfect both day and night, with casual or formal wear.

1, 2 https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2

 

3, 4, 5, 6, 7 https://www.scoopwhoop.com/How-Countries-Celebrate-Valentines-Day/#.9nii56exv